Live A Wilder Life worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
This summer, our family embarked on an unforgettable biking adventure through northern Idaho. My husband, our seven-year-old son, and I set out to explore three of the region’s most family-friendly bike rides: the North Idaho Centennial Trail, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and the Auto Tour Trail. Each trail offers its own unique blend of nature, history, and adventure, making for an ideal excursion for families who love the outdoors.
North Idaho Centennial Trail
Our journey began on the North Idaho Centennial Trail, a paved, 23-mile recreational multi-use path that winds through the glistening shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the Idaho-Washington border. The trail offers a diverse mix of urban city exploration, wooded forests, and peaceful lakeside bliss. Its mostly flat terrain makes it perfect for families and cyclists of all abilities.
We began our ride at Mile 0 of the North Idaho Centennial Trail at the state line. It felt appropriate to start our biking adventure right at the edge of Idaho. Although the trail begins with a glorious view of the Spokane River from Gateway Bridge, the first 12 miles are the least scenic as it follows Highway 90 and passes through industrial work zones. We were the only family on the trail, which mainly attracted serious cyclists looking to get some mileage for the day. It’s not to say you can’t enjoy it, because we certainly did, but the most engaging and picturesque areas are in Coeur d’Alene.
After Mile 11, the trail leaves the highway and takes you into Riverside Park, where the scenery transforms into vibrant waterfront views of the Spokane River. We stopped here to rest our legs and grab a bite at Vine & Olive, a locally owned restaurant specializing in fresh fare and Pacific Northwest wine.
From Riverstone Park, the trail takes you into the heart of Coeur d’Alene, where you’ll pass the iconic Coeur d’Alene Resort, one of the city’s crown jewels, with its laid-back marina and floating boardwalk. Kids will love stopping at Dockside for their famous “Gooeys,” a giant ice cream sundae with all the frills. Just beyond, you’ll cycle through McEuen Park and pass Tubbs Hill, a forested natural area with hiking trails and secluded swimming spots. For us, no visit to Coeur d’Alene in the summer is complete without stopping by the splash pad in McEuen Park.
The final stretch to Higgens Point is easily one of the trail’s standout moments. Once you leave the downtown area, the path winds along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, with tranquil blue waters and sprawling trees creating a scenic border. It’s the quietest section of the trail, perfect for those seeking a serene and relaxing ride.
Trail Tips
Best Time to Ride: Late Spring to early Fall
What to Bring: Plenty of water, sunscreen and bathing suits for the lake in warmer months
Where to Rent Bikes: Vertical Earth, Coeur d’Alene Bike Co., and Pedego
Bathrooms: Available along the entire trail
Good to Know: While the trail is family-friendly, it’s not ideal for young bikers just beginning to learn. There are sections where you’ll bike on the road with cars in a designated bike lane.
Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
For our next biking adventure, we took four days to explore the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 73-mile paved pathway stretching across Idaho from Plummer to Mullan. Once a vital railroad route used to transport silver and minerals from Idaho’s Silver Valley, this historic line was central to the region’s mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the trail preserves that rich history, offering cyclists a chance to pass through former mining towns and visit historic sites while taking in some of northern Idaho’s most breathtaking scenery.
We began our ride early in the small town of Plummer, tucked in the rolling hills of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s reservation. The trailhead at Plummer is elevated, so we enjoyed a gentle downhill ride as the trail passed through Heyburn State Park, Idaho’s oldest state park. One of the highlights of this section was crossing the historic Chatcolet Bridge, a long and graceful structure that spans the lake. At the top, its panoramic lake views make it a fantastic stop for photos.
Past the bridge, we made it to Harrison, our final stop for the day. Harrison is a cozy lakeside town that’s a fantastic place to base yourself while exploring the western section of the trail. It’s also where The Cycle Haus is, a one-stop shop where you can rent bikes, schedule a trail shuttle, ask questions about the trail, or fuel up with a cold beverage and hot pizza.
The section from Harrison to Enaville is the core of the trail and can’t be missed for its outstanding natural beauty. This central section follows the Coeur d’Alene River, winding through lush forests, tranquil wetlands, and open meadows. It’s also where you’re most likely to spot wildlife. We spotted moose, deer, osprey, heron, otters, and golden eagles.
The last part of the journey brought us deep into the Silver Valley, an area steeped in mining history. As we approached Wallace, we couldn’t resist exploring the charming downtown, full of quirky museums and red brick buildings. Wallace has long been known as the “Silver Capital of the World,” and its quaint streets make for a great stopover before continuing to Mullan. Grab a bite to eat in Wallace at Blackboard Cafe before you head out.
Trail Tips
Best Time to Ride: Late Spring to early Fall
What to Bring: Binoculars for wildlife watching, water and snacks
Where to Rent Bikes: The Cycle Haus in Harrison, Coeur d’Alene Bike Co in Kellogg, and The Spokehouse in Wallace.
Bathrooms: Available along the entire trail
Auto Tour Trail
For the final leg of our biking expedition, we drove north to Bonners Ferry to explore the Auto Tour Trail, a lesser-known but delightful biking route that offers both beauty and solitude. Located inside the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, this 4.5-mile trail loops through thick meadows, wetlands, and Myrtle Creek. Although not as long or as developed as the other trails, the Auto Tour Trail is perfect for families looking for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience.
The one-way gravel road travels along Myrtle Creek, offering views of the biodiverse ponds and sweeping grasslands. While birds are abundant in the area, you can also keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose, deer, and bears. The trail offers several viewing spots to sit and take in the still nature. Our son loved spotting the bald eagles and learning about the local wildlife.
Since the trail can be completed in about an hour, you can also explore more of the refuge, particularly the ¼ mile waterfall hike to Myrtle Creek Falls.
Trail Tips
Best Time to Ride: Summer to early Fall
What to Bring: A camera for capturing wildlife and binoculars for birdwatchin
Where to Rent Bikes: Outdoor Experience in Sandpoint
Our summer exploring northern Idaho’s family-friendly biking trails perfectly blended adventure, nature, and relaxation. Each trail offers something different, whether you’re looking for an urban trail with scenic lake views on the North Idaho Centennial Trail, the historic beauty of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, or the quiet, wildlife-rich experience of the Auto Tour Trail. I recommend packing your bikes, snacks, and a sense of adventure before heading north for a family-friendly biking trip you won’t forget.
Feature image credited to Live A Wilder Life.
Christina Grance and Brad Benoit are the wife/husband duo behind the adventure travel blog, Live A Wilder Life. Former full-time travelers turned part time nomads, they live with their wild son and an ornery cat in North Idaho where they spend every second they can dreaming up their next big trip. They specialize in outdoor travel for the everyday adventurer and love helping people to plan or discover their next trip. You can read their travel guides and tips at their travel website or follow along @liveawilderlife.
Published on September 29, 2026